The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that lawmakers watched as police dispersed Makoko anti-demolition protesters with teargas and live ammunition at the Assembly complex.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Hon Stephen Ogundipe, the Assembly expressed concern over a publication titled “Police teargas Makoko anti-demolition protesters at Lagos Assembly, arrest activist Hassan Soweto, others”, describing it as containing distortions and unverified claims capable of inflaming public tension.
The Assembly clarified that it was officially on recess at the time of the incident, countering suggestions that lawmakers ignored the protest. It stated that upon receiving information about the gathering at the Assembly gate, Ogundipe mobilised four lawmakers who were within the complex to engage the protesters.
According to the statement, the lawmakers informed the protesters that the Assembly was on recess, offered to engage them peacefully at the gate, and assured them that their grievances would be documented and escalated through appropriate channels.
However, the protesters allegedly rejected dialogue at the gate and insisted on gaining access into the Assembly complex, contrary to established security protocols.
The Assembly further alleged that the situation escalated due to unruly conduct by an activist identified as Taiwo Hassan, also known as Hassan Soweto, who was said to have become verbally abusive and confrontational during the engagement. It stressed that the security response was purely preventive and not directed by the legislature.
“At no point did the Lagos State House of Assembly order the deployment of teargas, authorise arrests, or direct any use of force against protesters,” the statement said, adding that lawmakers withdrew from the gate on the advice of the Commissioner of Police to prevent escalation.
The Assembly also debunked claims that live ammunition was used, describing them as false and sensational, stating that no credible evidence had been presented to support such allegations.
On the issue of Makoko demolitions, the House noted that matters relating to infrastructure safety, power-line setbacks and demolitions fall under executive and regulatory authorities.
It reiterated its commitment to dialogue, humane engagement and lawful processes in addressing urban development challenges, explaining that assurances given during an earlier engagement on January 15 did not amount to a blanket suspension of demolitions.
